Debra Laking, BACP

Debra Laking is a UK-based therapist who combines an integrative humanistic outlook with practical therapy methods to support people facing stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, grief, and shifts in self-esteem. With four years of professional experience, she adapts her approach to each person, drawing on evidence-informed methods such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, client-centered work, the Gottman Method, and mindfulness techniques to suit individual needs.

Debra offers a compassionate, non-judgmental space where clients are invited to explore their thoughts and feelings at a pace that feels right for them. She views each person as the expert in their own life and aims to build on existing strengths while introducing new strategies for coping and change. Her practice includes helping people manage life transitions, navigate relationship and communication difficulties, and process loss and complex emotions.

Holding the BACP credential - the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - Debra emphasizes collaboration, empathy, and practical tools that people can use between sessions. She welcomes international clients and works flexibly to meet a range of needs, supporting clients as they take steps toward greater clarity, resilience, and wellbeing.

Approaches that translate well to online therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without being driven by them, then choose actions that align with their values. This approach can be useful for anxiety, stress, and making purposeful life changes. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on creating a supportive, empathetic therapeutic relationship where the client leads the pace and content of sessions; it is especially helpful for building self-esteem and processing grief. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) works by identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and trying practical strategies to change outcomes, making it effective for anxiety, stress, and coping with challenging life situations.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Debra works collaboratively with clients to identify which methods fit best with their goals, preferences, and circumstances, and she adjusts techniques as those needs evolve. Licensed professionals and therapists can offer a mix of tools to suit each person.

Online sessions by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging offer flexibility for people with busy schedules, mobility limitations, or those living far from local services. These options make it easier to maintain regular contact, try different formats, and integrate therapy into everyday life while working toward meaningful change.